COVID-19 Training Impact

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The impact of COVID-19 is far reaching and has resulted in unprecedented changes for Canadians from coast to coast to coast. 918 Griffon Squadron is no exception. This page will assist our cadets and greater Squadron family in addressing some of the common questions asked about how COVID-19 has impacted cadet training, some of the alternative solutions and impact mitigation available, and some resources to assist.

FAQ – COVID-19 Impact on Training

Q. How long is the COVID-19 activity cancellation? AnswerA. All in-person cadet activities are cancelled until 31 Aug 2020. Further extensions to this cancellation may be made.

Q. Will there be any cadet events or activities before next training year?AnswerA. Yes! There are a range of optional cadet activities and learning opportunities available. Your officers and Sr NCOs are working on hard on some creative and innovative ways to keep our Squadron active and engaged with you during this period, although they will be largely digital and based online. Social media challenges and cadet features have already begun for Squadron members to participate in.

Weekly scheduled online learning opportunities have also started. Primarily utilizing the 918 Discord Server, cadets have the opportunity to socialize and engage with their squadron friends, as well as learn about a variety of cadet related topics such as aviation, leadership, and CAF familiarization. The topics will vary each week, and we look forward to seeing you on Wednesday evenings again.

Presentations for achievements, promotions, and awards are also continuing, and normally paired with an information briefing and update from the Commanding Officer. Although not regularly scheduled each week, live events to help celebrate achievements will be organized and published via the Squadron calendar and website.

You are encouraged to reach out and stay connected with the Squadron, and are welcome to contact your chain of command with suggestions or for help and assistance. We remain here for you.

Q. When will cadets return to normal? AnswerA. At this time, we anticipate a return to “normal” cadet training and operations on 1 Sep 2020. This is subject to the continuing developments and changes due to COVID-19.

Q. Will my next promotion be denied or delayed due to this cancellation? AnswerA. No. Cadets who are eligible for promotion to the next rank will have their promotions recorded as soon as eligible, recommended, and approved by the Commanding Officer. For promotions requiring a Merit Review Board (MRB), existing MRB results are still valid. If necessary, a virtual (remote) MRB can be held to ensure this requirement for promotion is met.

Promotions are a big part of the cadet program and important to cadets, and every effort will be made to minimize the impact of COVID-19. The official announcement and presentation of promotions will be made virtually and “presented” in a manner roughly similar to how promotions are normally presented in person (typically during a CO’s Parade). A further in-person presentation can be expected when in-person cadet activities return.

Q. My next promotion requires a training activity that has been cancelled (ex: CFA, FTX, etc.) due to COVID-19. Will my promotion be delayed because of this? AnswerA. No. Mandatory requirements that cannot be fulfilled due to the activity cancellation will be recorded as cancelled. This cancelled result will remove the requirement to complete the identified training, while allowing qualification and promotions to occur.

Q. Will this cancellation of activities affect our time of service in cadets?AnswerA. No. Cadets will continue to accrue time in rank during this in-person activity cancellation. Cadets will continue to earn time towards their Air Cadet Service Medal.

Q. Will I still pass/qualify for my current proficiency level? AnswerA. Cadets will not be penalized for missing the remainder of the 2019-2020 training year. If you were on track to complete your training before the COVID-19 activity cancellation, you will be credited for your training efforts and be qualified for your current proficiency level.

Performance Objectives (POs, similar to “subjects”) that were unable to be completed due to the COVID-19 activity cancellation will be recorded as “Cancelled”. Cancelled POs remove the requirement to complete that PO while allowing qualification and promotions to occur. You will not be required to do additional work to pass your current proficiency level as a result of COVID-19.

Q. Will assessments and exams for level 3 and 4 specifically continue? If so, are there any details on how they will continue? AnswerA. No. Formal assessments for cadets will not be conducted during this period.

Q. How will the missed training be “caught up”? AnswerA. It is understood that, practically speaking, some training and skills required for cadet’s future success might have been missed due to this cancellation. Details on some form of gap package or additional training is still being formulated.

If additional training or gap packages are authorized and approved, they will be provided on an optional basis, with a drive to ensure cadets who are interested can continue to improve and be best prepared for their future roles next training year and beyond.

As part of the increasing online presence and building resources, the CJCR program has launched an initial Cadet Learning Portal for cadets to explore during the cancellation period.

Q. Will there still be an Annual Ceremonial Review (ACR)? AnswerA. No. The traditional ACR ceremony and event are not possible at this time. The Squadron does intend to host an online / virtual awards and promotions ceremony to celebrate the achievements of cadets during this training year, but the event would be optional.

Q. Will there still be medals and annual awards presented/awarded this training year? AnswerA. Yes. Medals such as the Lord Strathcona Medal, Royal Canadian Legion Medal of Excellence, and the Air Cadet Long Service Medal will be awarded and presented this training year. Annual Squadron awards such as Heart of the Griffon, Top Overall Cadet, etc. will also be awarded and presented this training year. The exact details of the presentation are still being planned, but will likely involve a virtual presentation with a further physical presentation upon return to normal operations in early Sept 2020.

Q. Will there still be summer training courses (“camps”)? AnswerA. No. All cadet summer training courses have been cancelled for summer 2020. Natl CJCR Sp Gp staff has begun planning and exploring innovative ways to take advantage of this pause in training to implement new and exciting solutions for our program.

Q. Will cadets who are selected for 2020 advance training opportunities and are not ageing out this year, be given priority for similar opportunities next year? AnswerA. Natl CJCR Sp Gp Senior Leadership is currently looking into this question in order to find a solution that could be applied across the CCO and will maintain fairness to all members. More information to follow.

Q. Will senior cadets be provided with an opportunity to serve and be employed as Staff Cadets over the summer? AnswerA. The Formation Commander intends to employ one staff cadet and one adult staff member from each cadet corps or squadron throughout the summer period. In broad terms, employment could include engaging cadets throughout the summer, undertaking individual training and education, professional development, supporting program improvements, and preparing for the next training year (TY20-21). More details to follow.

Q. I miss cadets! How can I connect with other members of the Squadron? AnswerA. We miss you too! The Sr NCOs have established a 918 Discord Server to help cadets “hang out” and communicate. More information on the 918 Discord Server can be found here. The Officers and Sr NCOs are exploring some additional learning opportunities and online/virtual cadet activities to help keep our Squadron family connected – stay tuned for details!

Q. Were there any other events not on Discord that are planning to happen? AnswerA. Possibly. The Squadron is thinking of ways for smaller groups of cadets to get together. Discord so far seems to be the best for large groups. We are looking at other platforms and other tools to compliment future events like lessons.

Q. Will there be more online meetings / virtual parades / live events? AnswerA. Likely. It will be up to cadets to give us feedback on if they liked these online meetings and would want more of them. From that feedback, we can determine how often they will occur, what day of the week they will be on, what sort of activity will be conducted and the purpose they will provide.

Q. How will this situation affect the intake of cadets? What if it extends into September 2020? AnswerA. We already closed intake this training year back in January as we reached max capacity. So far, nothing has changed for September. At this time, we are still planning to do an open house and intake as normal.

Q. Is the band going to continue having band practices over Discord? AnswerA. Continue with what practice was given. Your flight staff have plans and will contact you shortly about what practice will be done like scales and pieces practices along with some theory lessons. If you are a part of band and not in the Google classroom, please contact the flight staff so you can join. Everything over this stand down is completely optional as we do not wish to add more stress in your life.

Q. When will the age-out ceremony for WO1 Wong happen? AnswerA. A new date will be selected and communicated after the training calendar for next training year is built. Unfortunately, the ceremony must be delayed until TY20-21, but has not been cancelled. It is important for WO1 Wong (Ret’d) and 918 Squadron to say a proper farewell and goodbye, but we are unable to do so until activities resume. Rest assured; this event will happen.

Didn’t see your question answered? Have some concerns? Please contact the Commanding Officer.

Mental Health Resources

Kids Help Phone P: 1-800-668-6868Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7, national support service. They offer professional counselling, information and referrals and volunteer-led, text-based support to young people in both English and French. Whether by phone, text, mobile app or through their website, cadets can connect whenever they want, however they want. The service is completely confidential.

Canadian Forces Members Assistance Program (CFMAP)The CFMAP is a partnership between the Department of National Defence (DND) and Health Canada’s Emergency Preparedness and Occupational Health Directorate Employee Assistance Services (EAS). The CFMAP offers confidential, voluntary, short term counselling to assist with resolving many of today’s stresses at home and in the work place. CIC Officers and Cadets are eligible for this program.

Wellness Together CanadaWellness Together Canada provides free online resources, tools, apps, and connections to trained Volunteers and qualified mental health professionals when needed, help get Canadians back on track. These include modules for addressing low mood, worry, substance use, social isolation and relationship issues. You can access educational resources and immediate support crisis lines without creating an account.

Mental Health Help Line – P:1-877-303-2642Alberta Health Services (AHS) 24-hour help line for mental health.

CAF PSP Virtual Fitness ScheduleCAF Personnel Support Program is running live sessions with PSP Fitness Instructors for free. Check the link for the fitness schedule and join the session that interests you.

The Psychologists’ Association of Alberta would like to help those Albertan’s who are experiencing distress due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Their Disaster Response Network members are offering pro-bono psychological services with priority for health care providers and first responders traumatized by recent events. This is not a crisis line or a referral service but pro-bono support from volunteer psychologists for 1 to 3 sessions for those in need. To access this service, contact the PAA Office email: paa@paa-ab.ca or call (780) 424-0294 or Toll Free 1-888-424-0297

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